What is H5 bird flu?
- H5 bird flu is a serious and highly contagious disease that has killed millions of wild birds and mammals overseas. Occasionally, it can spread to humans
- H5 bird flu can spread through migrating seabirds, shorebirds, waterbirds or marine mammals, particularly seals
- Overseas outbreaks show that H5 bird flu would have a significant impact on our wildlife and farming animals, especially poultry, if it reaches Australia.
What to look out for?
- Small groups or clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds, or backyard chickens
- Individual (or less than 5) sick or dead seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds, birds of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks) or seals
- Birds showing any signs of infection, including:
- shaking, swimming or moving in circles
- twisted necks or other strange movements or positions
- can't stand or fly
- diarrhoea
- hard breathing, coughing or sneezing
- swollen head, neck or eyes
- cloudiness or change in eye colour
- sudden death.
When is the highest risk?
August to November, when migratory shorebirds arrive in large numbers. But other infected wildlife could arrive year round, so stay alert and always report anything unusual.
Can people get H5 bird flu?
- Yes – but it's rare. Infection usually occurs through close contact with sick birds
- Rangers, wildlife carers, hunters and anyone in contact with sick or dead birds, are most at risk
- Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/avianinfluenza for more information.
How to protect yourself
- Don't touch sick or dead birds or other animals
- Keep pets and children away from sick or dead birds or other animals or wildlife
- Wash hands with soap before and after handling birds or other animals
- Always use gloves, surgical masks and eye protection if handling sick or dead birds or other animals or wildlife and wash your hands before and after
What to do
- AVOID touching or going near sick or dead birds or other animals
- RECORD time, date, location, and take photos or videos if safe
- REPORT immediately: Report groups of sick or dead birds or other animals to a vet, a ranger or community leader, or call1800 675 888
Resources
H5 bird flu resources, including factsheets, posters and signs are available here